How to Kickflip on a Skateboard

The kickflip is one of the most fundamental flip tricks in skateboarding. You pop the tail, flick your front foot off the toe edge to spin the board 360° along the board's long axis, then catch and land with both feet on the board.

Learning the kickflip opens the door to a huge variety of flip tricks. Master the basics first: a solid ollie, comfortable riding stance, and commitment.

Step-by-step instructions

Ollie first. Get a consistent, level ollie. The kickflip is an ollie with a flick.

Foot position. Front foot: ball of your foot just behind the bolts, toes angled toward the toe edge. Back foot: ball on the tail, ready to pop.

Pop and flick. Pop the tail and slide your front foot up and off the toe edge (out and slightly forward). The flick makes the board rotate.

Stay over the board. Keep your shoulders and hips over the board. Let it spin once and catch it with your back foot, then front foot.

Land and roll away. Land with both feet on the bolts, knees bent. Roll away clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn a kickflip?

It varies. Many skaters take weeks or months of consistent practice. Focus on one step at a time.

Who invented the kickflip?

Rodney Mullen is credited with inventing the kickflip (and many other flip tricks) in the early 1980s.

What’s the difference between kickflip and heelflip?

In a kickflip the board spins from a toe-side flick; in a heelflip it spins from a heel-side flick.